The Inn at Holiday Bay: Clue in the Clam, Kathi Daley [early reader chapter books TXT] 📗

the issues between Christy and Noah are so great as to create an opportunity for Rodney to swoop in. If that’s true, if Christy and Noah have found themselves with an unresolvable rift, then it’s best to figure that out before they walk down the aisle.”

Georgia opened the oven and rearranged things a bit. “Yeah, I guess that’s true. Mylie is really upset about the whole thing, but Jeremy responded to her concern with a comment similar to what you just said. I guess if Christy doesn’t choose Noah, then maybe her not choosing him is something that would have happened down the line anyway.” Georgia slid a tray of biscuits into the second of our two wall ovens. “I do think that it’s Noah’s mother who’s created all the problems, but I get why Christy is hesitant to marry a man who doesn’t seem to be willing to put her wishes over those of his mother. Christy has mentioned on occasion that Haley’s father was completely under the thumb of his domineering mother and that it put a strain on things. I can see how that sort of pattern will only lead to trouble down the road.” Georgia set out pitchers of orange and grapefruit juice. “Maybe Rodney is the test the relationship Noah and Christy have established needs to withstand if the couple has any chance at all.”

“Maybe,” I agreed, picking up the juice and heading to the dining room where breakfast was being set up buffet style on the sideboard. “I have a bunch of errands to do in town before Sydney arrives. Do you need anything?”

Georgia picked up a platter with meat and another with potatoes and carried them to the dining room, so I grabbed the bowl of scrambled eggs and followed her.

“Actually, would you mind stopping at the seafood market down at the marina? I need to pay for the clams I have on order for Saturday, and I’ve been promised the catch of the day if I pay a deposit and reserve the fish I’m planning to grill for dinner tomorrow night today.”

“Yeah. No problem. I guess we’ll need to pick the catch of the day up tomorrow.”

“I’ve made arrangements to have it delivered. There was an extra charge, but I figured it would save us some time. I’ve spoken to the guests, and everyone is in for a cookout on the back patio. In addition to the fish, I’m going to grill veggies and provide a couple different salads.”

“Sounds fun and delicious. Is there anything else you need?”

“Actually,” Georgia began, “if you have time and don’t mind stopping by the farmers market, it will save me time tomorrow if you want to pick up the veggies today.”

“I’d be happy to. Just make me a list.”

Once breakfast had been set out, I chatted with the guests who’d come down for the meal and then headed back to the cottage. I decided to make a list of stops so I didn’t forget anything. I needed to stop by the bookstore to sign a stack of books the bookstore’s owner planned to use as part of a promotion, and then I needed to go to the bank and the dry cleaners. In addition to stopping at the seafood market to pay for the clams and put a deposit down for tomorrow’s catch of the day, Georgia had asked me to stop at the farmers market to buy a variety of vegetables. Additionally, I wanted to stop and chat with Colt, so I supposed I should get going if I wanted to be back by the time Sydney arrived.

My first stop was Firehouse Books. The owner, Vanessa Blackstone, seemed to be even more excited about promoting my books than I was. It’s not that that I wasn’t excited, but Vanessa was the one who was always coming up with new and unique ways to catch the interest of potential readers.

“Good morning, Vanessa,” I greeted. “I’m here to sign the books for the promotion.”

“Oh good. Did you remember bookmarks?”

I held up a box.

“Wonderful. There’s already been a lot of interest in the signature collection, and I’m sure you’ll be pleased to know that of all the authors who are taking part, your books are among the most popular.”

I smiled. “You know I’m always happy to log a sale.”

Vanessa opened the box with the bookmarks and began to organize them into stacks. I had to say that the friendly bookstore owner was both hardworking and organized. I noticed a table featuring mysteries and romances set along the coast of Maine. The display was creatively outfitted with fishing nets and plastic clams, much like the ones we were using for the murder mystery.

“It seems like there are a lot of tourists in town for Clam Bake week,” I said.

She nodded. “Business has been good. I’m looking forward to the bands that are playing in the gazebo in the park this evening, and I understand there will be craft vendors in the park this weekend as well.”

“Georgia has a list of everything that’s going on. It did seem extensive. Personally, I’ve been so busy planning the murder mystery and our clam bake on the island that I haven’t paid much attention to anything else.”

“Speaking of the murder mystery on the island,” Vanessa said. “I heard about Oliver Halifax. I understand that his body was found out on the same island you’re planning to use for your event.”

“Yes, that was tragic.” I decided not to mention the fact that I was with the group who found him. I was interested in hearing what Vanessa had to say, but I didn’t want to get into too deep of a conversation since I had so many stops to make.

“I heard that his death might have something to do with the election and his involvement with Vivica Desmond.”

I frowned. “I’m